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Fun Guide: Fairs and rodeos

Bull rider Hutch Haslam prepares his bull, Village Idiot, before taking to the arena during the 73rd Annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Saturday, July 13, 2013 at the Norris-Penrose Events Center. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette

- Greeley Stampede, June 26-July 6, 970-356-7787, greeleystampede.org: Billy Currington, Jake Owen, Martina McBride and Three Days Grace are some of the acts scheduled to play. Also, more than 100 drivers will take part in a demolition derby, and there will be a kids rodeo, art shows and carnival rides and games.

- Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Days, July 9-12, Colorado Springs, 884-1199, pikespeakorbust.org: The Norris-Penrose Event Center will play host to some of the finest cowboys and cowgirls in the world competing in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. There also will be parades, cookoffs and a wild cow milking competition. And mutton bustin' is one event you don't want to miss.

- Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 18-27, 307-778-7200, cfdrodeo.com: Located only a handful of miles outside of Colorado is the "Daddy of 'em All." The rodeo draws some of music's bigger names. While country fans will be excited to see Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw, classic rock fans get to hear John Mellencamp.

- El Paso County Fair, July 19-26, Calhan, 520-7880, bit.ly/1o7EEOG: This local event is chock full of fun. Each day has a dedicated theme, such as First Responder Heroes Day and Dollar Day. Make sure you see the Demolition Derby, where no punches are pulled and there are rules to make sure it's every driver for himself.

- Ski-Hi Stampede, July 24-27, Monte Vista, 589-4840, skihistampede.com: Colorado's oldest pro rodeo began in 1919 and more than 10,000 showed up to watch that first year, according to newspaper accounts. Country music star Gretchen Wilson highlights the fun this time around. There also will be a parade and carnival.

- Larimer County Fair and Rodeo, Aug. 1-5, Loveland, 970-619-4000, larimercountyfair.org: The Gnarly Barley Brew Festival is scheduled for Aug. 2, where a mug and seven tokens will be provided with your ticket. Each of those tokens is good for a taste from any of the breweries on hand. After sampling the beer, take in some other exhibits.

- Boulder County Fair, Aug. 1-10, Longmont 720-864-6460, bouldercountyfair.org: Like death and taxes, this fair is a given. It has run for the past 145 years, and this year is no different. Although bull fighting and tractor pulls might be nostalgic for some, the BMX performance and brewfest will keep newer fans interested.

- Garfield County Fair and Rodeo, Aug. 4-10, Rifle, garfieldcountyfair.com: There will be enough food to feed an army in western Colorado, and beer gardens are open Wednesday through Sunday. Goat, sheep and poultry shows are on the event list as well as a livestock sale, demolition derby and a classic car show.

- Douglas County Fair and Rodeo, Aug. 7-10, Castle Rock, 720-733-6900, douglascountyfairand rodeo.com: With multiple stages for entertainment, as well as bull riding, carnivals and an antique tractor pull, this event has something for everyone. The fair also will have plenty of trinkets and small goodies for sale.

- Colorado State Fair, Aug. 22-Sept. 1, Pueblo, 561-8484, coloradostatefair.com: Look for artists such as Chris Young and Clay Walker to sing while comedian Gabriel Iglesias will be on hand to make you laugh. Mixed martial arts cage fights also are scheduled to take place. And, of course, there will be animals, rides and tasty treats.